This fund was established in loving memory of West Liberty graduate James G. Marsh by his wife Phyllis and children James Matthew and Melissa Marsh in 1999.
Marsh received his physics degree from West Liberty in 1960 and taught high school in Follansbee, W.Va. until earning his master’s degree from West Virginia University. Marsh then began working for NASA at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland. He climbed the ranks as a highly respected scientist and team leader, and he was a key player in many NASA missions. Marsh fostered international cooperation and collaboration, and developed extensive investigative ties with the astrodynamics, geophysics, geology and oceanography communities. He wrote and co-wrote over 80 peer-reviewed publications.
He received NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal in 1980 and the Silver Award from the French Space Agency in 1981. Marsh also played a key role in the successful French-American satellite TOPEX/Poseidon, which was launched a year after his death in 1991. He was honored at the World Space Congress in Washington, D.C. in 1992 by NASA and the French Space Agency.
Requirements
One incoming freshman will be awarded with a four-year scholarship every four years.
Applicants must:
- be entering with a declared major in math or science, including pre-engineering, or in science education or math education
- be West Virginia residents
- qualify for financial aid and will be ranked in accordance to the need index established under federal financial aid guidelines
- have a demonstrated aptitude in science and/or math, as supported by a letter of recommendation from a high school science or math teacher
- have strong work ethic as indicated by work on a family farm or business, other extensive involvement with family commitments or by holding outside employment while in high school
Maintaining Eligibility:
- maintain a 3.0 grade point average in math and science courses evaluated annually)
- remain in a qualifying major and be enrolled on a full-time basis
If you are a prospective or current student interested in applying for this scholarship, please contact the Dean of College of Sciences at 304-336-8070.